where's the line between cute and train wreck?

2012 must be the year of the patterns. They are everywhere, which don't get me wrong I love that, but when pairing patterns together there is a fine line between what looks great and what looks like a fabric train wreck. All of this poses the question, where do you draw the line? Unfortunately there's not one clear answer because every room and every design is different but here are some tips:

1. one way to pick multiple patterns is to choose one main "busy" pattern and then pair it with softer patterns 
2. you can choose a common element with a bunch of  softer patterns such as geometry: this gives you the ability to have more patterns in one room with out drowning everything out
3. make sure they flow together, obviously don't just choose random patterns and colors to go in one room. 
4. a good way to tell if the patterns are going to work in one space, take samples back to the room/area they are intended for and place them in the room where they will go. So if one is suppose to be for an upholstered chair then place it where the chair will go, and the textile for the curtains pin it to the wall by the window. This will give you an idea about how far apart they are going to be and the effect the natural light has on the textiles

the most important thing to remember is that if YOU like it, and your happy with your decision then go with it. make your space your own is part of what design is about.

 some examples of the things above

this is like the first tip- the curtains are the main pattern while the club chairs and pillows on the couch are more of accent patterns that are softer and take a "backseat" the make the space work.

this room is like the second tip. the fabrics all have a common element- well a few actually. they are all simple geometric like patterns that are simple in color scheme  being mainly 2 colors maybe 3. this works because the fabrics are equal in the room there isn't one that competing more for your attention to make it look "busy" here your eye flows easily from one pattern to the next.

this is like the third tip. the three textiles flow well together because they  are  all hues that are found in the  "main" pattern or the largest pattern in the headboard. they work well together because the second largest, the gray chevron is used on a smaller scale than the floral and the gray acts as the neutral and offsets the bright colored but small patterned greek key.